SAFEGUARDING
What is safeguarding?
Safeguarding is about creating a safe and welcoming environment for everyone involved, from young players to adult bowlers. It’s about taking steps to prevent and address any kind of harm or abuse. This includes supporting coaches and volunteers to spot potential problems, making sure Bowls England routes to reporting are clearly understood, and encouraging a culture of respect and fairness throughout the bowling community.
Who does safeguarding apply to?
While safeguarding is often associated with children, it’s equally important for adults. Studies indicate that 47% of adults show characteristics of vulnerability and therefore may be at risk, highlighting the necessity of protecting all members.
What is not safeguarding?
Safeguarding focuses on protecting individuals from harm but not on resolving broader issues like club culture or personality conflicts. These issues can often be resolved through a club code of conduct agreed upon by members. If this fails, Bowls England Regulation 9 must be followed.
Why do Bowls England expect Affiliated Clubs to have Safeguarding Officers?
All major sports governing bodies mandate that Affiliated Clubs have designated Safeguarding Officers. This is standard practice and a clear expectation from the sports governmental body (Sport England).
The absence of Safeguarding Officers is likely to create a gap that may be exploited by individuals seeking to harm our sport’s members.
What is the role of a Safeguarding Officer?
The Safeguarding Officer plays a vital role in creating a safe and inclusive environment for everyone involved in the sport of bowls.
A key responsibility of the Safeguarding Officer is to record and report safeguarding concerns to Bowls England and also to cultivate a positive environment of safety and respect within the bowls community.
Who can be a Safeguarding Officer?
Anyone passionate about creating a safe and positive environment in our sport can become a Safeguarding Officer, subject to checks.
This vital role requires dedication to protecting participants, the ideal candidate possesses:
• a commitment to safeguarding the wellbeing of members and participants
• a willingness to take part in development opportunities to support one’s understanding of how to make an impact in this area.
• a clear Enhanced DBS check, recorded by Bowls England, experience working with people in a safeguarding context is desirable
Does the Safeguarding Officer need to be a member of the club?
While a love for bowls is a plus, it’s not essential. Affiliated Clubs may welcome applications from anyone with a strong background in safeguarding, welfare, or education. Their expertise in protecting vulnerable individuals is what truly matters and our recommended training provider, Coach Bowls, run provide training on the specifics of bowls to ensure they are comfortable in the role.
Suitable individuals for the role may be (but not limited to) Teachers and School Staff, Nurses, Healthcare Professionals, Social Workers, Police Officers, Mental Health Professionals, Safeguarding Officers from other sports or organisations/clubs
Can Affiliated Clubs share a Safeguarding Officer?
Affiliated Clubs within a County can explore sharing a Safeguarding Officer. This can be a great option for smaller Affiliated Clubs, although an agreement should be set to ensure Affiliated Clubs understand their joint responsibilities.
Affiliated Clubs may operate in venues that accommodate multiple sports and
share a Safeguarding Officer. This is acceptable as long as the Bowls England Safeguarding Team has the necessary information about the Officer’s
qualifications and contact details.
STEPS TO BECOMING A SAFEGUARDING OFFICER
Nomination
Many clubs seek individuals committed to safeguarding. Becoming a Safeguarding Officer is a great opportunity to make a difference.
Understand the Role
Complete the free Bowls Development Alliance Safeguarding Introduction Course before accepting the role.
Enhanced DBS Check
Get an Enhanced DBS check through Bowls England via this link:-
https://www.bowlsengland.com/dbs-applications/
Official Appointment
Become a Club Safeguarding Officer after completing the course and DBS check. Update the clubhouse poster.
Complete Safeguarding Officer Training
Complete the Safeguarding Officer Training Course within six weeks. Use Coach Bowls/Bowls Development Alliance online courses or contact the Bowls England Safeguarding Team if you have qualifications.
Link to Safeguarding Officer training:-
https://www.coachbowls.org/safeguarding-officer-training/
To stay connected sign up for the Bowls England Safeguarding Bulletin via https://r1.dotdigital-pages.com/p/6UDT-5CM/bowls-england-safeguarding-officers
Explore the resources from the Bowls Development Alliance and attend free refresher sessions and renew training every three years.
Key Contacts
Norfolk Bowls Association Safeguarding Officer
Andrea Morton
telephone: 07941 106345
email: Andrea.Morton@lynngroveacademy.org.uk
Bowls England
Bowls England Safeguarding Team
telephone: 01929 500490
email: safeguarding@bowlsengland.com
website: https://www.bowlsengland.com/safeguarding/
Coach Bowls
telephone: 07458 301497
email: adam.durnin@coachbowls.org
website: https://www.coachbowls.org/safeguarding-officer-training/
Bowls Development Alliance
Lisa Graham
telephone: 07407 176958
email: safeguarding@Bowlsdevelopmentalliance.com
website – https://www.coachbowls.org/safeguarding-officer-training/